I’m quite sure that not many of you know about it as well as most of the common lemon-related topics. But you need not remain oblivious of the origins of lemons anymore as this article will enlighten you about it all as you read further.

Though the origin of lemons is a mystery, most people believe that they originated in India, followed by China and northern Burma. The popularity of the antiseptic properties of lemon was common in southeastern and southern Asia even at that time. It was usually used as an effective antidote to counterattack the effect of several poisons. Later, lemons were introduced in Persia and the next few places where their worth was appreciated after Persia were Egypt and Iraq around 700 AD.

The first time lemons came to be recorded into literature was in the 10th century Arabic farming treatise. At this time, lemon trees have also been initiated to be used in the ancient Islamic gardens as a nice ornamental plant. Further, lemons were distributed extensively into the Mediterranean region and the Arab world from AD 1000 to AD 1150.

Lemons gained entry into Europe around the 1st century AD, though they were not cultivated extensively. The first European lemon cultivation took place in Genoa around the middle of the 15th century. Later, Americans savored the benefits of lemons in 1943 as lemon seeds were taken to Hispaniola by Christopher Columbus during his voyages.

Spanish conquest all over the world also played a crucial role in spreading the word about lemon seeds. Normally they were employed as medicine and ornaments. In the 1700s through the later part of 1800s, lemon plantations appeared in elevated numbers throughout California and Florida as lemons started to become an important item for flavoring in cooking.

That is how it all began and at present, lemons are grown all over the world. Italy is the world leader in the production of lemons. Lemon trees usually grow up to the height of seven meters (approximately 23 feet) and have long leaves. Most lemon tree varieties are thorny and produce fragrant white flowers all year long. As the flower blooms, it takes around seven months for fruit to ripen. Frost can damage these trees severely, so they should be protected from freezing temperatures whenever possible or grown in warmer climates that are not prone to experiencing frost.

This was the history of lemons that has finally brought you the beneficial lemon fruit.

Heartburn: One teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water will relieve heartburn.

Scurvy: One or two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours. In excessive menstruation the juice of three to four lemons a day will help check the bleeding.

Asthma: A tablespoon of lemon juice taken one hour before meals will help relieve asthma.

Liver Problems: Many liver complaints can be relieved by taking the juice of one lemon in a glass of hot water one hour before breakfast in the morning.

Sore Throat: Dilute lemon juice 50/50 with water and gargle frequently. If possible use full strength as it will provide better results.

Pink Eye: A drop of lemon juice in each eye will clear up pink eye. WARNING: putting lemon juice in the eyes will burn a little. This is natural and will not cause any damage to the eyes.

Pregnant mothers are also advised to drink the juice of lemons during pregnancy as it will help build strong bones. Lemons are good for healthy nerve cells and for the strengthening of the teeth and bones. It also ranks as one of the top ten fruits for the highest levels of phyto-chemicals, which are very useful in helping to fight cancer. They are neither vitamins nor minerals because they lack calories.

Lemon is very good for anemia (iron deficiency). Even though its iron content is low, it is excellent and speeding up the body’s absorption of iron. It is also an excellent fruit for those suffering from arthritis as it is highly effective in removing uric acid from the joints (buildup of uric acid is caused by meat and other animal products). It is also good for dealing with and dissolving kidney stones which are formed by uric acid salts.

The main health benefits of lemons include:

Antioxidants: these are chemicals that are very useful in fighting cancer.

Protecting the capillaries: strengthens the walls of the capillaries while improving the elasticity of arteries and reduce excess blood clotting.

Anti-carcinogens: D-limonene, an aromatic terpene found in the lemon, particularly the pee, has been proven to neutralize certain carcinogens.

Fighting Infections: One of the best fruits for infections happens to be lemons. It kills over 20 different bacteria and is one of the best fruits for common colds, flues or any other acute condition that affects the immune system.

The main types of lemons produced in the United States are the Eureka, Lisbon, Genoa, Sicily, Belair, and Villafranca varieties. Some lemons are produced in Arizona and Florida, but most of the commercial crop is grown in southern California, where production averages about 90 percent of the annual U.S. output.

The fruit is pale yellow, elliptically shaped, and has a small nipple like protuberance at the apex. The fruit is covered by a layer of protection known as a rind which is used in perfumes and lemon flavoring. The spongy white layer between the rind and pulp is the mesocarp, which is rich in Vitamin P and contains a substance known as citrin.

Lemon juice is used widely in various types of beverages such as lemonade, iced tea, and even sodas. It is also commonly used in food ingredients like salad dressings, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, and other types of fish flavorings. The pulp of the lemon is used commercially in the manufacturing of citric acid, and is now used in making concentrated lemon juice which is used medicinally for its high vitamin C content.